DATE: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:06:36 +1100
SUBJECT: What is FASTS?
Have you wondered what FASTS is and what it does......?
FASTS update
You are a member of the Federation of Australian Scientific and
Technological Societies (FASTS), Australia’s peak science body,
through your ASA membership.
FASTS represents 60 professional societies and 60,000 scientists, with
professional staff who serve you, the ASA and the Australian
scientific community in a number of ways.
FASTS ongoing activities include ‘Science meets Parliament’—FASTS’
annual flagship event, where more than 200 scientists have face-to-
face meetings with politicians on key science issues.
Other work includes:
Highlighting science with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet through
the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council
(PMSEIC)
Organising forums and workshops on key science issues
Developing science policy at a high level and providing input to
Parliamentary Committees, Government Departments and Government
reviews and inquiries
Assisting member societies to raise and develop issues, and
Distributing information to member societies weekly, and receiving
feedback.
Highlights of 2008 included:
Forums on ‘Rights and Obligations of Scientists and Researchers’ and
‘Supporting Risk-Aware Research’
A national roadshow to gather inputs to FASTS’ submission to the
Cutler Review
Submissions to reviews on Higher Education Research Training, Future
Fellowships, Defence, Higher Education Endowment Fund, ERA journal
ranking, Questacon, CRC
Continuation of FASTS’ successful request for release of ARC grants in
early October
FASTS’ statement on Climate Change – reported in 145 media outlets
FASTS’ Taxonomy paper highlighting this endangered species at SmP 2008.
In 2009 FASTS will:
Hold ‘Science meets Parliament’ on 17/18 March – contact the ASA to
attend
Provide to Parliament examples of science success stories from FASTS’
members
Present ‘On the Radar’ briefings on upcoming issues in science that
need to be addressed by government, industry and the media – contact
FASTS with your ideas
Contribute to the development of National Curricula in science and
mathematics
Investigate whether science graduates have sufficient industry-ready
practical skills.
In addition to its continuing and prospective activities FASTS will:
Establish an expert list of FASTS members for media commentary – via
your society
Hold a forum on Governance of Science – how can science self-organise
better?
FASTS seeks your help to keep science at the forefront of the national
agenda in these challenging times. For more information visit the
FASTS’ website www.fasts.org
Tom Gosling
Communications and Research Officer
Federation of Australian Science and Technological Societies (FASTS)
GPO Box 259, Canberra City ACT 2601
Phone: 02 6257 2898 – Mobile: 0418 294 342 - Fax: 02 6257 2897
www.fasts.org